Overview: Remsen Yard, a maintenance facility for NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), supports both its water and sewer operations. The 2½ acre property accommodates DEP vehicles, their equipment storage and material piles, and personnel support facilities, such as locker rooms, bathrooms and administrative offices.

Sustainable Features: Water management is the primary mission of these two operations, and on-site water management became a major goal in the Remsen Yard design. The Remsen Yard is a heavy water use operation, using an average of 6,600 gallons per day in yard activities such as washing trucks and misting piles for dust control in addition to building usage. Rainwater from the roof will be collected in a tank, treated per NYC health guidelines, and reused for site-related water needs, providing 51% of the water required for these site activities and saving 1.4 million gallons of potable water annually.

A long-span roof has both active and passive environmental benefits. Over an acre of the open yard is shaded by the roof, sheltering the outside activities. In addition to collecting rainwater, the “productive roof” has thin-film photovoltaic panels integrated into skylights. The PV array produces up to 50 kW of electricity and contributes approximately 26% of the annual electrical load.

Located in Carnarse, Brooklyn, New York. 46,000 gross square feet / 33,000 net square feet building with a 50,000 sf covered yard, on a 2.4 acre site. Construction cost estimated to be $30,000,000. Building completion expected in early 2008 (Design commenced 2005).

ResultsPotable water use reduced in building - 41% over 1992 Energy Policy Act(approximately 142,000 gallons per year)Potable water use reduced for yard operations by 51% of annual site needsCombined building and site reduction will be 1.4 million gallons of potablewater/year (50%)Landscape planting (4000 sf) uses no potable water

ResultsConstruction and demolition waste – 75% targeted for diversion from landfillRecycled materials specified for 10% of materialsLocal products given preference, with a target minimum of 10% of materialsRapidly renewable products usedForest Stewardship Council wood products required

StrategiesConstruction and demolition waste to be sorted at off-site facilityReuse of existing brick wallMajor materials targeted for recycled content, including fly-ash in concrete,steel, gypsum board, flooringLinoleum flooring used

StrategiesFacility has very few regularly occupied areas (20% of total) – these aregrouped and located on the second floor with view windowsCO2 monitors control fresh airAir quality management during construction is plannedLow-emitting paints, carpets, adhesives, sealants, non-urea-formaldehydecomposite woodsFresh air intakes located away from dusty yard operations